FC Bayern Munich and Columbia University Announce Partnership

School of Professional Studies,
Aug 27, 2015

NEW YORK – FC Bayern Munich, one of the biggest and most valuable clubs in world soccer, has today announced a partnership with Columbia University, one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, to support the curriculum of Columbia’s Sports Management Master of Science program. FC Bayern will be the graduate program’s exclusive European club partner in the U.S. and provide its students valuable insights into one of the most successful and celebrated sports brands in the world.

FC Bayern will support Columbia’s Sports Management graduate program with content for instruction and dialogue within the classroom setting including guest lecturers, case studies and other resources benefitting the program’s key areas of focus: the global sports market, digital sports media and sports analytics, using FC Bayern’s model and track record of global branding and financial success.

The academic alliance will provide FC Bayern with access to a world-renowned student body, faculty and global network of academics and professionals and serve as a valuable resource in the club’s efforts to build the brand in the United States.

The partnership will also include developing joint initiatives and events to find new and meaningful ways for FC Bayern and Columbia to deepen the cooperation as respective leaders in their industry.

Vince Gennaro, Director of the Columbia Sports Management program at Columbia University, commented: “Our students in the Sports Management program are privileged to be able to learn from FC Bayern’s successful global business strategy. We strive to offer compelling real-world curriculum that helps our students secure top careers after graduation.”

Rudolf Vidal, Managing Director of FC Bayern Munich US, commented: “Through this partnership, we will help shape the brightest minds in the sports industry. As we continue to grow our roots in the States, and around the globe, Columbia’s international appeal and network will be key in providing early access to gifted professionals embarking on careers in the sports world.”

About FC Bayern MunichFC Bayern Munich is one of the biggest clubs in world soccer and has a proven track record of developing world-class players and competing in the highest echelons of world football. With over 400 million supporters worldwide, FC Bayern is one of the strongest brands in international soccer. In April 2014, FC Bayern Munich opened a U.S. office in New York City to engage with the millions of FC Bayern Munich fans living in the States as well as to internationalize the brand and better promote the club’s valuable assets in the American market.

About Columbia University’s Master of Science in Sports Management Program
Columbia University’s master’s degree program in Sports Management, available part-time and full-time, trains professionals in all sectors of the sports industry by teaching specific management skills in the areas of finance, analytics, digital media, sports personnel management, law, sports marketing, and facility or event superintendence. This combination of broad-based and specific skill training is a hallmark of the program and is evident in both the content and sequencing of courses. www.ce.columbia.edu/sports